Preparation and characterization of the inclusion complex of Ofloxacin with ��-CD and HP-��-CD

The formation of the inclusion complexes of Ofloxacin with cyclodextrins (CDs) including ??-cyclodextrin (??-CD), and hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD) were studied by Fluorescence, UV?CVis absorption spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in solution. Experimental conditions including the concentration of various CDs and media acidity were investigated in detail at room temperature. The results suggested that in different pH solutions, CDs have different inclusive capacity to different forms Ofloxacin. ??-CD was most suitable for inclusion of neutral form and HP-??-CD was suitable for acidic form. The binding constant (K) of the inclusion complex was determined by fluorescence measurement, and the complexation ratio was determined as 1:1 in the concentration range used in this study. A mechanism was proposed to explain the inclusion process based on the experimental NMR data.     

��Jumping�� crystals: structures and properties of CuII complexes with N-methylimidazolyl- and N-methyltriazolyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxides

To find the factors favorable for the appearance of chemomechanical activity of heterospin crystals, a series of new heterospin complexes were synthesized and characterized. It includes [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2EtOH, [[Cu(pfu)₂]₂L^Im ₃]·1/2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(pfh)₂L^Im ₂]·1/2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(piv)₂L^Im ₂]·2MeOH, [Co(piv)₂L^Im ₂], [ $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ ], [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr]₂·CH₂Cl₂, and [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr ₂] (L^Im, $ L^{CD_3 } $ , and L^Tr are N-methylimidazolyl-, N-trideuteriomethylimidazolyl-, and N-methyltriazolyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxides, respectively; tfac, hfac, pfu, pfh, and piv are the charged coordinated diamagnetic ligands 1,1,5,5-tetrafluoropentane-2,4-dionate, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-octadecafluoroundecane-5,7-dionate, 1,1,1,5,5,6,6,6-octafluorohexane-2,4-dionate, and 2,2-dimethylpropionate, respectively). The crystal and molecular structures of all compounds were determined. The results of the X-ray diffraction study of the complex [Ni(hfac)₂L^Im ₂] synthesized earlier are reported. In the solid state of the complexes [Cu(pfh)₂L^Im ₂] and [Co(piv)₂L^Im ₂], the paramagnetic ligands are cis-coordinated to the central atom in a monodentate fashion via the donor N atom of the imidazole ring. In the dinuclear complexes [[Cu(pfu)₂]₂L^Im ₃] and [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr]₂, the paramagnetic ligands are also in cis positions but act as bridges through coordination of the donor N atoms of the azole ring and the O atom of the nitronyl nitroxide moiety to different Cu²⁺ ions. In the solid complexes $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ , [Cu(hfac)₂L^Tr ₂], [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2CH₂Cl₂, [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2EtOH, and [Cu(piv)₂L^Im ₂]·2MeOH, the nitronyl nitroxide radicals in the mononuclear heterospin molecules are in trans positions. The packing motif in the crystal structures of the complexes $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ , [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2CH₂Cl₂, and [Cu(tfac)₂L^Im ₂]·2EtOH is the same as that in the previously studied complexes [M(hfac)₂L^Im ₂] exhibiting chemomechanical activity. Among the complexes under consideration, only crystals of $ Cu(hfac)_2 L^{CD_3 } _2 $ can exhibit chemomechanical activity, that is to make jumps upon heating or irradiation. The results of the present study suggest that the packing of the solid-state structure plays a key role in the generation of mechanical activity of the crystals.     

Inclusion complex formation of ��- and ��-cyclodextrins with riboflavin and alloxazine in aqueous solution: thermodynamic study

Possibility of encapsulation of riboflavin and alloxazine by ??- and ??-cyclodextrins in aqueous solution was studied by ¹H NMR and solubility methods. Thermodynamic parameters of 1:1 inclusion complex formation (K, ??_cG⁰, ??_cH⁰ and ??_cS⁰) were obtained and analyzed in terms of influence of reagent??s structure on complexation process. It was shown that ??-cyclodextrin displays low binding affinity to riboflavin and alloxazine. On the contrary, ??-cyclodextrin forms with riboflavin and alloxazine more stable inclusion complexes. Binding is accompanied by the negative enthalpy and entropy changes that are determined by predominance of van der Waals interactions and possible H-bonding. The presence of ribityl substituent in riboflavin molecule prevents the deep penetration of this compound into macrocyclic cavity. Proposed on the basis of ¹H NMR data the partial insertion of the hydrophobic part of riboflavin and alloxazine molecules into the ??-cyclodextrin cavity causes the enhancement of aqueous solubility of the encapsulated substances. In comparison with ??-cyclodextrin, the solubilizing effect of ??-cyclodextrin is more pronounced due to its higher binding affinity to alloxazine and riboflavin.     

Polarography��past, present, and future

Polarography was first developed as an automated method of voltage-controlled electrolysis with dropping mercury electrode. The spontaneously renewed pure electrode surface provided reproducible electrochemical results which enabled scientists to work out adequate theory and rich analytical applications. The original method was then instrumentally modified in various ways. Later, hanging mercury drop was added as an alternative indicator electrode??in this way, polarography turned formally into voltammetry with mercury drop electrodes. Beside, in potential-controlled electrolysis, the mercury drop electrodes have been also used in current-controlled electrolysis (chronopotentiometry)??there, it has provided new experimental effects. Polarography has thus gradually covered a wide field of electrolytic methods based on the use of mercury electrodes, in which it continues developing.     

pH buffer assessment and Pitzer��s equations

Traceable measurement of the quantity pH in media outside the limits of the recent IUPAC recommendation requires an alternative to the Bates?CGuggenheim convention. The Pitzer??s approach to ion interactions is widely appraised and offers a suitable approach to the estimation of single-ion activity coefficients. For this purpose, the underlying electrolyte data need to be consistent and the uncertainty in existing Pitzer??s data needs to be assessed. Such an assessment is attempted in this study for pH in potassium acetate buffer medium. The re-evaluation of Pitzer??s data from potassium nitrate data revealed inconsistencies and wide uncertainty margins. The uncertainty contribution from binary Pitzer??s parameters to an assessment of pH in seawater resulted in an uncertainty in pH of about 0.03 (95% confidence interval). This contribution has to be taken into account in the overall uncertainty budget. Lack of appropriate data for other pH buffer systems (e.g., phosphate buffers) is noted.     

��Gold standard�� coupled-cluster study of acetylene pentamers and hexamers via molecular tailoring approach

Due to high scaling order of MP2 and CCSD(T) methods, it is either difficult or at times even impossible to treat even moderately sized molecular systems with elaborate basis sets such as aug-cc-pVXZ (X?=?D, T, Q). In the present work, several structures of acetylene pentamers and hexamers are explored at MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory as?prototypical examples of clusters bound by CH···?? interactions. To enable this investigation, fragment-based method Molecular Tailoring Approach (MTA) is employed. It is shown that these acetylene assemblies can be treated with substantial reduction in computational resources and time, yet retaining a sub-millihartree accuracy in the energy. Further, using standard extrapolation methodologies, stabilization energies at the complete basis set limit of the acetylene clusters under consideration are determined at MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory. To test out the feasibility of treating a large cluster at MP2 level, a demonstrative calculation on a dodecamer of acetylene is reported.     

Synthesis of per-substituted hydrophilic and hydrophobic ��-cyclodextrin derivatives

The aim of this work was to synthesize new cyclodextrin derivatives from native ??-cyclodextrin by allylation reactions and indium metal in aqueous and organic medium. The resulted products could be used to prepare a new hydrophilic pharmaceutical active ingredient. A hydrophobic derivative can also be prepared by the same method. Indeed, the allylation reactions allow the creation of a stereogenic centers and the introduction of an allyl group lead to development of various functionalization of CD sites. Natural ??-cyclodextrin was treated with allyl bromide and sodium hydride in dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature, which resulted in the formation of O-perallylated ??-cyclodextrin A₁ (98%). Through successive reactions of oxidation, reduction and allylation, the latter was converted into per 2, 3, 6-tri-O-(2-hydroxypent-4-enyl) ??-cyclodextrins A₄ (40%). Others derivates of CD type B₃ and C₃ were synthesized by series of reaction to give multifunctionalized cyclodextrins with yield of 25 and 30%, respectively.     

Study of complex formation between ��-cyclodextrin and benzene

In this work study of complex formation of ??-cyclodextrin with benzene was performed both experimentally and theoretically. Interaction of benzene with ??-cyclodextrin in aqueous solutions was investigated by means of UV spectroscopy at temperatures in the range 291?C303 K. The stoichiometric composition, stability constant, and thermodynamic parameters of ????-cyclodextrin-benzene?? supramolecular structures formation were calculated from spectroscopic data. It was proved that 1:1 inclusion complex is mainly formed in aqueous solutions. The calculations of a spatial structure, formation energy, and vibration spectra in IR range for the complex of ??-cyclodextrin with benzene were performed by Hartree?CFock?CRoothaan method within PM3 semiempirical approximation with quantum chemistry package GAMESS (version 6.4). The calculated energy parameters for ????-cyclodextrin-benzene?? inclusion complex are in agreement with experimental data.     

Thermal stability of ketoprofen��active substance and tablets

Simultaneous thermoanalytical techniques were used for the characterization of the thermal decomposition of ketoprofen??active substance and tablets. DTA and DSC curves showed that ketoprofen melts before the decomposition. A kinetic study regarding the ketoprofen??active substance??s thermal decomposition was performed under non-isothermal conditions and in a nitrogen atmosphere at five heating rates: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 °C min^?1. The kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition process were obtained from TG/DTG curves using the following differential methods: Friedman isoconversional, Chang, respectively, integral methods: Flynn?CWall?COzawa, Kissinger?CAkahira?CSunose, Coats?CRedfern and Madhusudanan. The careful treatment of the kinetic parameters obtained in certain thermal conditions was confirmed to be necessary as well as a different strategy of experimental data processing.     

Optical coherence tomography��current technology and applications in clinical and biomedical research

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique that provides real-time two- and three-dimensional images of scattering samples with micrometer resolution. By mapping the local reflectivity, OCT visualizes the morphology of the sample. In addition, functional properties such as birefringence, motion, or the distributions of certain substances can be detected with high spatial resolution. Its main field of application is biomedical imaging and diagnostics. In ophthalmology, OCT is accepted as a clinical standard for diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of a number of retinal diseases, and OCT is becoming an important instrument for clinical cardiology. New applications are emerging in various medical fields, such as early-stage cancer detection, surgical guidance, and the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases. OCT has also proven its value as a tool for developmental biology. The number of companies involved in manufacturing OCT systems has increased substantially during the last few years (especially due to its success in opthalmology), and this technology can be expected to continue to spread into various fields of application.     

Comparison between 2-hydroxypropyl-��-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-��-cyclodextrin for inclusion complex formation with danazol

Complexation in solution between danazol and two different cyclodextrins [2-hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD)] was studied using phase solubility analysis, and one- and two-dimensional ¹H-NMR. The increase of danazol solubility in the aqueous cyclodextrin solutions showed a linear relationship (A_L profile). The apparent stability constant, K _1:1, of each complex was calculated and found to be 51.7 × 10³ and 7.3 × 10³ M^?1 for danazol?CHP-??-CD and danazol?CHP-??-CD, respectively. ¹H-NMR spectroscopic analysis of varying ratios of danazol and the different cyclodextrins in a mixture of EtOD?CD₂O confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometry. Cross-peaks, from 2D ROESY ¹H-NMR spectra, between protons of danazol and H3?? and H5??of cyclodextrins, which stay inside the cyclodextrin cavity, proved the formation of an inclusion complex between danazol and the cyclodextrins. For HP-??-CD, the inclusion complex is formed by entrance of the isooxazole and the A rings of danazol in the cyclodextrin cavity. For HP-??-CD, two different inclusion structures may exist simultaneously in solution: one with the isooxazole and A ring in the cavity and the other with the C and D ring inside the cavity. DLS showed that self-aggregation of the CD??s was absent in the danazol HP-??-CD system up to a CD concentration of 10% and in the danazol HP-??-CD system up to a CD concentration of 5%.     

Challenges and opportunities of modern electrochemistry��a personal reflection

The first version of this article was published in January issue of the Canadian Chemical News in 2000. This issue featured Electrochemistry and coincided with the 200th anniversary of the famous. Volta pile experiment. It also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the International Society of Electrochemistry. In that article I reflected on the past and I pondered on the future of electrochemistry. It was written for general community of Canadian chemists. The present version has been updated. However most of my original thoughts have been retained. I have also retained the original language of an article written to a non-specialized readership.     

Electrochemical study of indapamide and its complexation with ��-cyclodextrin

Electrochemical oxidation of indapamide has been investigated at glassy carbon electrode using cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Indapamide exhibited two well resolved signals which attributed to the oxidation of indoline ring and benzamide moiety in phosphate buffers in the pH range of 2.7?C10.1. The oxidation processes have been shown to be irreversible and diffusion controlled. The formation of an inclusion complex of indapamide with ??-cyclodextrin (??-CD) has been investigated by cyclic, differential pulse voltammetry as well as UV?CVis spectrophotometry. The stability constant of the complex was determined to be 6199 and 2717 M^?1 using differential pulse voltammetry and UV?CVis spectrophotometry, respectively.     

Combination of living anionic polymerization and ATRP via ��click�� chemistry as a versatile route to multiple responsive triblock terpolymers and corresponding hydrogels

A combination of anionic polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ??click?? chemistry was used to construct trishydrophilic ABC triblock terpolymers composed of a pH-sensitive A block, a water-soluble B block and two different thermo-sensitive C blocks without any block sequence limitation problems. First, an azido end-functionalized poly(2-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (P2VP-b-PEO-N₃) diblock copolymer was synthesized by anionic polymerization. In a second step, poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (POEGMA) were synthesized via ATRP using an alkyne functionalized initiator. The resulting polymers were attached to the P2VP-b-PEO-N₃ diblock copolymer using the 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition (??click?? chemistry). For the ??click?? step, P2VP-b-PEO-N₃ diblock copolymers with either an azidoacetyl or a 2-azidoisobutyryl group were tested. In the latter case, however, a side reaction involving the cleavage of the formed ??click?? product via nucleophilic substitution occurred, preventing a permanent attachment of PDMAEMA or POEGMA to the P2VP-b-PEO-N₃ diblock copolymer. Finally, P2VP-b-PEO-b-POEGMA (with POEGMA=P(MEO₂MA-co-MEO_8.5MA)) and P2VP-b-PEO-b-PDMAEMA triblock terpolymers were successfully synthesized and used to construct stimuli-responsive hydrogels. A concentrated solution of P2VP₅₆-b-PEO₃₇₀-b-P[(MEO₂MA)₈₉-co-(MEO_8.5MA)₇] showed a gel?Csol?Cgel transition at pH?7 upon temperature increase, whereas in the case of P2VP₅₆-b-PEO₃₇₀-b-PDMAEMA₇₀, a gel?Csol or a weak gel?Cstrong gel transition was observed, depending on the applied pH. Finally, the addition of trivalent hexacyanocobaltate(III) ions to the P2VP₅₆-b-PEO₃₇₀-b-PDMAEMA₇₀ solution induced an upper critical solution temperature for the PDMAEMA block, which led to gel formation. This allows for the construction of light-sensitive hydrogels, utilizing the photo-aquation of hexacyanocobaltate(III) ions.     

Preparation of nanoparticles and hollow spheres of ��-Fe2O3 and their properties

Uniform nanoparticles and hollow microspheres of hematite (??-Fe₂O₃) were obtained via a hydrothermal method by using iron (III) chloride as a precursor. The effects of reactant concentration, reaction time and temperature on the morphology of the samples were studied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer (SQUID) measurement. ??-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles show a superparamagnetic behavior and the average size of the spherical particles was around 60 nm. However, hollow microspheres show a normal ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature with remanent magnetization and coercivity of 0.2482 emu/g and 2,516 Oe, respectively, and their average diameter was around 2 ??m. The effects of reactant concentration and reaction temperature on the formation of the products were investigated. The experimental results reveal that the magnetic properties of hematite can be tuned by controlling the morphology.     

Effects of sugar ring puckering, anti-syn interconversion and intramolecular interactions on N-glycosidic bond cleavage in 3-methyl-2��-deoxyadenosine and 2��-deoxyadenosine

The effects of structural parameters and intramolecular interactions on N-glycosidic bond length in 3-methyl-2??- deoxyadenosine (3MDA) and 2??-deoxyadenosine (DA) were investigated employing quantum mechanical methods. All calculations were performed at B3LYP/6-311++G** level in the gas phase. The N-glycosidic bond length strongly depends on sugar configuration; it is shorter in syn conformation relative to anti in many cases where they have the same sugar ring configuration. The sugar conformation can influence the N-glycosidic bond through interaction with the O4?? atom. The impact of intramolecular improper hydrogen bonds and H-H bonding interactions on N-glycosidic bond length was investigated in DA and 3MDA and their modeled structures. Improper hydrogen bonds decrease N-glycosidic bond length while H-H bonding interactions increase it.     

Electrochemical sensing in solution��origins, applications and future perspectives

The origins of electrochemical sensing in solution are briefly surveyed together with the potential advantages of potentiometric and voltammetric sensors and biosensors. Selected applications and current trends are illustrated, and future perspectives are discussed.     

Sulfuretin protects against cytokine-induced ��-cell damage and prevents streptozotocin-induced diabetes

NF-κB activation has been implicated as a key signaling mechanism for pancreatic β-cell damage. Sulfuretin is one of the main flavonoids produced by Rhus verniciflua, which is reported to inhibit the inflammatory response by suppressing the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, we isolated sulfuretin from Rhus verniciflua and evaluated if sulfuretin could inhibit cytokine- or streptozotocin-induced β-cell damage. Rat insulinoma RINm5F cells and isolated rat islets were treated with IL-1β and IFN-γ to induce cytotoxicity. Incubation of cells and islets with sulfuretin resulted in a significant reduction of cytokine-induced NF-κB activation and its downstream events, iNOS expression, and nitric oxide production. The cytotoxic effects of cytokines were completely abolished when cells or islets were pretreated with sulfuretin. The protective effect of sulfuretin was further demonstrated by normal insulin secretion of cytokine-treated islets in response to glucose. Treatment of mice with streptozotocin resulted in hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, which was further evidenced by immunohistochemical staining of islets. However, the diabetogenic effects of streptozotocin were completely prevented when mice were pretreated with sulfuretin. The anti-diabetogenic effects of sulfuretin were also mediated by suppression of NF-κB activation. Collectively, these results indicate that sulfuretin may have therapeutic value in preventing β-cell damage.     

Synthesis of ��-hydrazino phosphonates from l-amino acid- and l-glutathione-derived hydrazones

[Tetra(tert-butyl)phthalocyanine]aluminum chloride catalyzed hydrophosphorylation of cyclic ketone hydrazones, which were derived from hydrazides of l-amino acids and glutathione, resulted in polyfunctional ??-hydrazino phosphonates.     

IR, UV and NMR studies of ��-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of kazcaine and prosidol bases

The interaction of the analgesic prosidol [1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-4-phenyl-4-propionyl-oxypiperidine] and the anaesthetic kazcaine [1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-4-ethynyl-4-benzoyloxypiperidine] with ??-cyclodextrin (??-CD) in aqueous solutions has been studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The composition and structure of the formed guest:??-CD inclusion complexes have been determined and were found to have a molar ratio of 1:2, with the guest molecule located in the cavity formed by two ??-CD molecules in head-to-head orientation, with the O(2), O(3) rims interacting. The phenyl and ethoxyethyl substituents of the guests are in contact with the ??-CD molecules. In contrast to prosidol?Cbase and kazcaine?Cbase the complexes with ??-CD show a higher analgesic and local anaesthetic activity.